Publishers Weekly

Alvarez has masterfully transformed her eventful life story into a remarkable body of fiction and poetry. Now, in this nonfiction work, she chronicles that journey.

These 24 autobiographical essays are a response to the various questions her readers have asked about her life and writing. For Alvarez, it all boils down to one question: 'Do you have anything more to declare?'

The first section, 'Customs,' vividly描绘s her Dominican girlhood in classic Alvarez style. She was surrounded by a rich cast of characters in her extended family and lived under the constant threat of dictator Rafael Trujillo's police state. She also describes her escape to the US and the process of assimilation that made her a 'hyphenated American.'

The seeds of her writing career are explored in the second part, 'Declarations.' These essays examine the balance between the writing life and'real life,' the joys of teaching, the daily writing process, and an unsuccessful research trip. Alvarez also includes her 'ten commandments' for writing, which feature some of her favorite quotes.

Taken together, the pieces are as open and lively as her readers expect, but the inspiration and guidance for aspiring writers may not be as profound.

Julia Alvarez is an author with a truly remarkable talent. Her voice is not only beautiful but also flows like a gentle river, carrying the reader along with ease.

I have always had a deep appreciation for her language, which is both rich and vivid. It has the power to transport me to different worlds and make me feel as if I am a part of the story.

This collection of stories and essays is no exception. From the very first page, I was completely immersed in her words, feeling a wide range of emotions. There were times when I was on the edge of my seat, and other times when I couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Alvarez's ability to connect with the reader on such a deep level is truly a gift. Her stories are relatable, her characters are well-developed, and her writing is simply a joy to read.

I would highly recommend this collection to anyone who loves great literature. It is a must-read for fans of Julia Alvarez and anyone who is looking for a collection of stories that will touch their hearts and make them smile.

This book is a remarkable collection of essays that delves deep into Julia Alvarez's life.

It explores her experiences of growing up in both the Dominican Republic and the United States, as well as her journey as a writer.

As I immersed myself in these essays, I gradually realized that Alvarez is not just a writer but also a poet at heart.

Her use of language and imagery is truly vivid and poetic, especially when she describes her life in the Dominican Republic.

The words seem to dance off the page, painting a colorful and detailed picture in my mind.

However, some of the essays also made me feel a bit overwhelmed when it came to the idea of writing.

Alvarez's talent and the depth of her thoughts can be intimidating.

But in the end, I was left with a sense of inspiration.

Her words motivated me to try again and give writing another go.

I was reminded that writing is a journey, and even if it can be challenging at times, it is also a rewarding and fulfilling pursuit.

This book has truly opened my eyes to the power of words and the beauty of storytelling.

We are people of the world, after all.

We are not just individuals living in isolation. We are members of families that we deeply care for. Our families are the ones who support us, love us, and are there for us through thick and thin.

We are also fragile beings, and we are connected to other fragile beings. In this vast world, we all depend on each other in one way or another. We need the kindness and help of others to survive and thrive.

Our connections with others give meaning and purpose to our lives. They make us feel less alone and more a part of something bigger. We should cherish these connections and do our best to strengthen them.

After all, we are all in this together, and by working together and caring for each other, we can make the world a better place for everyone.

My very first encounter with this author has left me with an insatiable hunger for more of her work.

Her writing style is truly unique, as she manages to handle sometimes extremely heavy subjects with a light touch. Take, for example, the dictatorship in her homeland that ultimately led to her family's immigration to the United States.

This particular book is a wonderful collection of short essays. I had the pleasure of reading it during my lunch break at work, and it was simply perfect. It served as a much-needed escape from the daily grind of my job, transporting me into another life, another place, and another time.

Her description of the academic, tenure-track world of a university professor was incredibly accurate and detailed. The overwhelming demands of being a writer, and how that has influenced and molded her life and livelihood, provide rich and thought-provoking material for the cerebral grist mill of any aspiring novelist.

I can't wait to explore more of her works and see where her writing will take me next.

Such an amazing way to explore the idea of dual identity! It truly offers a fascinating perspective. First generation Americans, in particular, can strongly relate to this concept. They have one foot in the culture of their heritage and the other in the American way of life. It's a constant juggling act, trying to balance the two. Similarly, children from very ethnic families also find themselves in a unique position. They grow up with the traditions and values of their ethnic background, but are also influenced by the surrounding society. This exploration of dual identity helps them understand and embrace both aspects of themselves. It allows them to see the beauty and richness in their diverse heritage while also finding their place in the larger American society. It's a journey of self-discovery and acceptance that many can identify with.

I'm usually not a fan of short stories or a book of essays.

However, this particular one was truly outstanding.

The stories within it seemed to be interconnected in a way that added depth and coherence to the overall collection.

Perhaps this was because I was already familiar with the author's other works, which allowed me to pick up on certain themes and motifs that ran throughout the book.

Nevertheless, regardless of the reason, I really enjoyed reading this book of short stories and essays.

It offered a unique perspective on various topics and presented them in a way that was both engaging and thought-provoking.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good read, even if they are not typically fans of short stories or essays.

It might just change their minds.

Super nice reflective diary model! It really catches my eye. I find it very useful and inspiring. It makes me think about my own experiences and how I can improve. I like the way it is structured and the prompts it provides. It helps me to organize my thoughts and express myself more clearly.

I'll continue my review later. I'm looking forward to exploring more of its features and seeing how it can benefit me in my daily life. I think this reflective diary model has the potential to be a great tool for personal growth and self-awareness. I can't wait to see what else I can discover!

A book of essays that delves deep into Alvarez's writing passion, process, and experiences has emerged. It is a collection of honest writing, devoid of any fluff. Here, writing is recognized not only as a true art but also as a humble and modest skill. Throughout the book, she extensively discusses her family background, race, and ethnicity. However, it wouldn't be accurate to say that the book is solely focused on these topics. Instead, they serve as a backdrop that enriches her overall exploration of the writing journey. This makes it a good light read, one that can be enjoyed by those interested in the art of writing or simply looking for an engaging and thought-provoking read.

Sometimes a reader stumbles upon a literary gem that offers profound insights, making the pages seem to turn by themselves. This book, "Something to Declare: Essays by Julia Alvarez," is precisely that.

In these remarkable autobiographical essays, the author guides the reader through the diverse landscapes of her life. Starting from her childhood in the Dominican Republic under Rafael Trujillo's dictatorship and progressing to her adult life as a tenured professor in Virginia. These 24 essays have the power to draw you in and make you understand that the landscapes of your own life endow you with unique strengths.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to any writer seeking inspiration. Julia offers great wisdom into the writing life and emphasizes the absolute necessity of appreciating the written word as a voracious reader to enhance your writing skills.

After my first trip to the Dominican Republic last year, I picked up this book as I desired a deeper understanding of the beautiful country I had visited. And Julia provides a rich and vivid portrayal of the history and culture of this nation.

It's a must-read for anyone interested in personal growth, writing, or learning about different cultures.

This title is a remarkable collection of essays penned by the renowned Dominican-American writer.

In the first section, she delves deep into her identity as a Latina woman who was compelled to assimilate into American culture. It is a poignant exploration of the struggle and the subsequent reconciliation of having one foot firmly in both worlds. Reading this section had a profound impact on me. It made me long to speak Spanish throughout the day and even revisit the beautiful land of Guatemala.

The second section of the collection is equally engaging as it discusses her profound ideas about thought, the intricate writing process, and the eternal question that plagues every writer: does writing truly matter? After perusing this book, I can wholeheartedly assert that it most definitely does. The author's words have the power to inspire, to make us think, and to connect us with different cultures and experiences.

This collection of essays is a must-read for anyone interested in literature, identity, and the power of words.